Peter Franus Merlot 2006

91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc. Medium ruby in color, the wine offers an inviting nose with lots of spice, sweet toasty oak, black cherry, and ripe plum, made more intriguing by the exotic floral notes of Cabernet Franc. The round flavors reflect the nose, with an initial sense of sweetness curiously followed by an impression of dryness. The wine remains bright and lively with a refreshing finish.

The poor, downtrodden Merlot - some of the most highly regarded and sought after wines in the world come from Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, the land of Merlot. The grape has taken a bad rap since it often translates into the very things that people love about red wine - fruitiness, juiciness, and suppleness. The wine's aromas bounce around with each other, indicating complexity since no single component dominates. The color, weight, concentration, and flavor profile of this Merlot easily surpass those of many of its Cabernet Sauvignon counterparts giving this Merlot a high "D" factor—delicious.